Munro · North-West Highlands
Lurg Mhor
Lurg Mhòr (986m) — "the big leg" — is one of the most isolated of all Scottish Munros, set at the head of the eastern arm of Loch Monar deep in the Achnashellach hinterland. The hill is invariably paired with its dramatic neighbour Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich ("Cheesecake"), whose pointed quartzite summit is far more striking than Lurg Mhòr's broad whaleback. Reaching either requires a long expedition from Craig (north) or Strathcarron (south).
Gaelic: “big” · Pronunciation: lurg vore
Quick facts
- Height
- 987.5m/ 3240ft
- Distance
- 17 km
- Ascent
- 869 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NH064404
- Parking
- NH039492
- Nearest
- Ullapool· Inverness 60km
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Remote track 50% · Open hillside 30% · Rocky summit ridge 20%
The shorter approach is from Craig on the A890 via the Allt a' Chonais stalkers' path. Walk west to the bealach below Sgùrr Choinnich, then drop south into the Loch Monar headwaters, contouring west to Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich. Climb its steep south ridge to the summit, then continue south-east along the connecting ridge to Lurg Mhòr. Return reverses the line — a long day at 28km with 1500m of ascent. Many parties take an overnight at Bearnais bothy.
Terrain
The Allt a' Chonais path is excellent for the lower section, then deteriorates onto rough hillside above the high bealach. The descent south to the Loch Monar headwaters is pathless heather and broken rock. Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich's steep south ridge is sustained scrambling-grade ground on grass and rock. The Lurg Mhòr summit ridge is broad mossy turf, an anticlimax after the dramatic Bidein. Bearnais bothy gives basic overnight shelter.
In winter
A serious, committing winter wilderness day. The steep south ridge of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich becomes a Grade I winter scramble. The Loch Monar headwaters bealach holds avalanche-prone snow after southerly storms. There is no mobile reception anywhere in the area; a satellite communicator is strongly recommended. The Craig access lay-by stays open in normal conditions. SAIS Northern Highlands is the relevant forecast.
This hill is in the Torridon SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow4h 31m
- Edinburgh4h 56m
OS maps: OS Landranger 25
Mobile signal: No signal. Genuinely remote — no coverage for 15km in any direction. A satellite communicator is strongly recommended for this hill.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:27
- Sunset
- 22:13
- Civil dawn
- 03:20
- Civil dusk
- 23:20
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Lurg Mhor.
Around Lurg Mhor on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Lurg Mhor — common questions
- How hard is Lurg Mhor?
- Lurg Mhor is rated 5/5 (very challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 17km with 869m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The Allt a' Chonais path is excellent for the lower section, then deteriorates onto rough hillside above the high bealach.
- Where do I park for Lurg Mhor?
- Standard parking is at NH039492 near Ullapool. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Lurg Mhor?
- The standard good-weather months for Lurg Mhor are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Lurg Mhor?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Lurg Mhor?
- No signal. Genuinely remote — no coverage for 15km in any direction. A satellite communicator is strongly recommended for this hill.
- Is Lurg Mhor safe in winter?
- A serious, committing winter wilderness day. The steep south ridge of Bidein a' Choire Sheasgaich becomes a Grade I winter scramble. The Loch Monar headwaters bealach holds avalanche-prone snow after southerly storms. There is no mobile reception anywhere in the area; a satellite communicator is strongly recommended. The Craig access lay-by stays open in normal conditions. SAIS Northern Highlands is the relevant forecast.
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